Research
How can nuclear energy be part of the energy supply in the future energy mix of the Netherlands and Northwest Europe? And what are the costs and benefits?
In addition to the question of whether there is an economic role for nuclear power in the electricity system, this study also looks at raw materials and the use of space.
The results of this scenario study can be incorporated into a comprehensive social assessment of nuclear energy, whereby aspects such as public support, safety, non-proliferation and the processing and storage of nuclear waste are also relevant.
This scenario study of nuclear energy draws a number of conclusions:
- The impact of nuclear energy on the total cost of the Northwest European energy system is less than 1 %
- If nuclear energy is not part of the electricity generation mix in the Netherlands, the dependence on energy imports will increase
- Nuclear power helps to reduce dependence on imports of rare raw materials
- Nuclear energy reduces the amount of space needed to produce electricity in Northwest Europe
- Active participation of central government is essential for the development of nuclear energy
This study was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affair and Climate and carried out by a consortium consisting of Witteveen+Bos, eRisk Group and The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS).
Read the full (Dutch language) study here: https://hcss.nl/report/scenariostudie-kernenergie/
